Time to cool down
A remote trail in the Jemez gets you out of summer heat
Hiking into the Jemez Mountains is a good way to beat the heat
The heat has set in. So today’s hike heads for the Jemez Mountains. Passing San Ysidro, north of Bernalillo, take a right onto N.M. 4. We are headed for Stable Canyon. Normally, we would take N.M 485 through the stunning red, iron oxide Gilman Tunnels. However, this popular tourist attraction near the Guadalupe Box in the Santa Fe National Forest is closed while crews stabilize rock cliffs in the area.
Initial estimates were that the tunnels would be closed until mid-August. However, a spokesman recently told the Journal that it wasn’t clear when they would be reopened. The Forest Service office in San Ysidro is a great resource for information and directions. Stop there on your way in for a basic map.
The alternative to taking the road through the tunnels is, by some estimations, a better way to get there.
Once you go through San Ysidro, turn left toward Fenton Lake on N.M. 126. You will see a sign for San Antonio hot springs; take Forest Road 376.
You will take Forest Road 376 for about 3 miles, then cross Porter’s Landing bridge. From there, take your first right. You should shortly see a parking area. The trailhead is marked with a large cairn.
What is striking about this hike is the “greenness.” Butterflies filled the meadow on the day we were there earlier this summer and there are many grazing cows in the area.
The sweet smell of grass mixes with tall ponderosa pines, framed against steep, craggy rock formations that outline the canyon. Crickets are singing their hearts out; the sky is so New Mexico cobalt blue.
Two-and-a-half miles in, on an easy up, another meadow opens and gives an unencumbered view of the gray steeps, now painted with red swaths. Here, people find quiet places for a sit-down, propped up under the pines for lunch.
This trail is an out-and-back, so you may pick any length you want; but you will want to allow plenty of time to take in the surroundings.
The full Stable Mesa trail is a 8.9 miles and is lightly trafficked. The trail is accessible year-round.